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Investing.com - Cantor Fitzgerald has reiterated its Neutral rating and $38.00 price target on Centene (NYSE:CNC), currently trading at $32.64, as 2026 marketplace rates are finalized across 15 states. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears undervalued based on its Fair Value metrics, despite a significant 46% YTD decline.
The research firm noted that while the majority of finalized rates align with payor proposals, they still fall below the 30%+ increases hoped for in 2026, maintaining a cautious outlook on the marketplace environment. As a prominent player in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry with a solid financial health score, Centene maintains a moderate debt level and operates with a P/E ratio of 8.03x.
Cantor Fitzgerald’s analysis of the first 15 states with finalized rates indicates payors are receiving final rates within approximately 1% of what they proposed, with Centene specifically seeing final rates about 30 basis points higher than proposed.
The firm highlighted less-flexible states in their analysis, noting significant discrepancies in New York where Centene proposed an 8.1% increase but received only a 2.9% final rate.
Political uncertainty remains a key factor in the marketplace outlook, particularly regarding the CMS Marketplace Integrity & Affordability Final Rule and the scheduled expiration of premium-enhanced subsidies on December 31, 2025.
In other recent news, Centene Corporation has reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance of approximately $1.75, which surpasses the consensus estimate of $1.64 per share. This announcement was made prior to the company’s participation in the Deutsche Bank 2025 Healthcare Summit. Management’s confirmation of their earnings outlook has been well-received, with several investment firms adjusting their evaluations of Centene. Truist Securities has raised its price target for the company to $39.00, maintaining a Buy rating, while Bernstein reiterated an Outperform rating with a $36.00 price target due to stable Medicaid utilization. Barclays, on the other hand, maintained its Equalweight rating and $33.00 price target, highlighting positive Medicaid results for July and August. Cantor Fitzgerald also kept its Neutral rating and $38.00 price target, noting Centene’s proposed rate increases in 29% of states where it operates. These developments reflect a generally positive sentiment from analysts regarding Centene’s financial trajectory.
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